Rivers Hoopers beat Stade Malien to finish BAL Kalahari Conference

In a commanding finish to the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Kalahari Conference, Nigeria's Rivers Hoopers clinched a 79-59 victory over Mali's Stade Malien on April 13, 2025.

At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco, the win capped an impressive run for the Hoopers, nicknamed "The King’s Men," in their third BAL season.

They secured four victories out of their six conference games and qualified for the BAL playoffs,

The Rivers Hoopers began the Kalahari Conference with an 81-60 win over Stade Malien on April 5, setting a strong tone for their campaign.

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They continued their early momentum with an 88-82 victory over the conference hosts, FUS Rabat, on April 6.

However, their only stumbles came against Egypt’s Al Ittihad, who handed them their two losses: a 100-80 defeat on April 9 and a 94-77 rematch loss on April 12.

Led by Canadian-Nigerian guard Kelvin Amayo and new signing Madut Akec, the Hoopers bounced back against Stade Malien.

This victory wrapped up the Kalahari Conference on a high note for Rivers Hoopers, whose 4-2 record positions them as serious contenders for the BAL title.

As the Hoopers prepare for the next stages of the season, with the BAL final set for June 2025 in South Africa.